TracFone and its sister brands NET10, andStraight Talk, do not have their own networks. They're Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that buy wholesale minutes, texts and data from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and over a dozen smaller regional networks. Straight Talk and Net10 also have smartphones that run on the T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T networks. Each phone has a home network that's either AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon. Years ago Straight Talk and Net10 some some phones homed on Sprint but those seem to be long gone from the distribution channels.

All three companies sell BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) SIMs. SIMs for the AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile networks are available from all three companies. Net10 and Straight Talk can also activate Sprint phones on the Sprint network but the user must supply their own Sprint SIM.

TracFone, Straight Talk and NET10 phones will favor their home network and refuse to roam in an area where the home network claims to have coverage. So if you have a phone whose home network is T-Mobile and you are in an area where T-Mobile has spotty coverage, the phone will refuse to roam on AT&T even if AT&T has a better signal. The Sprint based phones don't roam at all.

Which network a given TracFone, NET10 or Straight Talk phone is homed on depends on the market it's sold in. TracFone companies seem to prefer selling T-Mobile homed phones, followed by Verizon with AT&T as a last resort. I suspect this is because they get the best deals from T-Mobile and the worst from AT&T.

What's most cost effective for TracFone is not always what's best for you as the end user. Here's how to tell which network a given TracFone is homed on and how to get a phone that will give you the best coverage in the areas where you live, work and play.

Start by determining which of the three networks will give you the best coverage. If you have a TracFone, NET10 or Straight Talk phone that works well see below for how to find out what network it uses. Ask friends with prepaid phones what network they are using and how well it works. Look at the Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile prepaid coverage maps to see each carrier's native coverage area (ignore areas labeled as "roaming" or "partner").

Once you know what home network you want, here's how to determine which phones work on that network.

iPhones:
The NET10, TracFone and Straight Talk iPhone 4, 4s and 5 use the Verizon network.

The current NET10, TracFone and Straight Talk iPhone 5s, SE, 6 and 7 come with Verizon SIMs but can be activated on AT&T uy using a Net10, Straight Talk or TracFone BYOP SIM

Android phones:
With most America Movil Android phones you can tell which operator they use by model name or number. Here's a list of the America Movil Android phones by network operator:

Note that there are two Samsung Galaxy Discover models. The S730G which uses AT&T and the S735C which is on Sprint.

There are also two Samsung Galaxy S III models. The S960L (sometimes labeled S960C) is on Sprint and the S968C (also called SAS968C or STSAS968CWTPWP) is on Verizon.

There are also two LG Treasure models. The LGL51AL is on AT&T and the LG52VL is on Verizon.

There are also two ZTE Citrine models. The Z716BL can be on either AT&T or T-Mobile and the Z716VL is on Verizon.

There are also two Alcatel Pixi Avion models. The A570BL can be on either AT&T or T-Mobile and the A571C is on Verizon.

There are also two Huawei Sensa models. The H715BL can be on either AT&T or T-Mobile and the H710VL is on Verizon.

There are also two ZTE Majesty Pro models. The Z98BL can be on either AT&T or T-Mobile and the Z99VL is on Verizon.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 SAS902L is available as two different phones with the same model number one homed on AT&T and the other on Verizon!

There are also two LG Stylo 3 models. The L83BG can be on either AT&T or T-Mobile and the L84VL is on Verizon.

Non-smartphones with model numbers ending in "C" like the LG 501C and LG 220C all use CDMA technology and are homed on Verizon. The LG 3280 is also a CDMA/Verizon phone. These phones home network is Verizon but they will roam on other CDMA networks like US Cellular in areas where Verizon doesn't have coverage. These phones do not have SIM cards and are incompatible with GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.

The Motorola V176, V170 and C139 and LG225 are also GSM phones that can be on either T-Mobile or AT&T.

To tell if a GSM phone is homed on T-Mobile or AT&T:

If you are buying the phone in a store look for the product number on the box under the barcode. If it ends in P4, R4, AL or P4P, like TFLG800GTMP4P it's AT&T. If it ends in P5, R5, TL or P5P like TFLG800GTMP5 it's T-Mobile.

Most Tracfone, NET10 and Straight Talk phones also have a network code on the box. It's usually in the lower left corner on the front of the box. These codes are:CDMA-V or LTE-V = Verizon, GSM-A or LTE-A = AT&T, GSM-T or LTE-T = T-Mobile.

If you already have the phone, check the SIM ID printed on the SIM and shown in the Prepaid menu (feature phones only). The first six numbers of the ID determine the carrier: 890126 = T-Mobile, 890141 = AT&T, 891480 = Verizon.

Or look at the SIM itself. AT&T Tracfone SIMs have a code on them that includes the sequence SIMC4, like TF64SIMC4. If the SIM has a code containing SIMT5, like TF128SIMT5, it's for T-Mobile. Verizon SIMs codes contain SIMV9 like TF256PSIMV9DD

When prompted to enter your zipcode use 65046 (Jamestown MO) or 76825 (Brady TX) for AT&T or 73949 (Texhoma OK) for Verizon

After entering one of the zipcodes and clicking OK and amswer Yes to the "phone will be used in..." prompt. Fot Net10 only you can verify that the URL of the page listing the available phones contains "&market=GSM4" for AT&T or "&market=CO" for Verizon. If it doesn't don't order the phone, as you probably won't get what you want. Please leave a comment if one of the zipcodes stops working so I can update the post.

Be sure to change the zip code back to yours in the address field on the shopping cart page. Regardless of what market a phone was sold for you will get a number local to wherever you activate the phone.

An alternate way to get what you want on Net10 is to enter your own zipcode at the initial prompt and then edit the URL of the page showing the available phone. You need to change whatever is between &market= and the next & to the market you want; CO for Verizon, GSM4 for AT&T or GSM5 for T-Mobile. For example, if the phone's page URL contains &market=GSM5SPRCO& and you want to see only AT&T phones, replace &market=GSM5SPRCO& with &market=GSM4& and press the Enter key. The page will reload showing only AT&T network phones. This trick only works on Net10.

Before using a different zipcode or the URL edit trick to get the phone or network you want be sure to check the Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile coverage map to verify that the phone's home operator has coverage where you will be activating the phone. Phones will not activate in an area where their home operator doesn't have coverage.

You have lots of great info on all of your blogs! I just purchased (on its way)a COGSM4 = CDMA and AT&T phone purposefully by using a different zip code, hoping to get better coverage when rv'ing to the Pacific coast and California mountains (zipcodes for sample places pointed me to the COGSM4). I had hoped this phone would use both Verizon (CDMA) and ATT,but how could that be if CDMA phones have no sims, and ATT phones do? I talked to TracFone today about roaming charges (which I pointed out I was unable to find on their website), and the rep said that phones with sim card use 1 min per min for roaming, while those without sim cards use 2 mins per min for roaming. Do you know whether the COGSM4 phone will use both Verizon and ATT? thanks again for all of the useful info you provide!

There are no phones that work on both AT&T and Verizon. A COGSM4 area is where Tracfone believes that both Verizon and AT&T service is available. They normally only offer AT&T phones in COGSM4 areas (AT&T costs them less. If you want a Verizon phone you must use a "CO" zipcode like 54235 or 59801.

The Tracfone rep you talked to is misinformed or reading from a very old script. There is no extra cost for roaming with any current Tracfone. Several years ago roaming cost extra on some (mostly CDMA) phones.

So, if I get a CO phone via an area code that only has Verizon service, will I still get coverage in my local area, even though there is Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile service in my local area? thanks again!

Yes as long as there is native Verizon coverage in your local area it will activate (see the Verizon coverage map). Once activated it will work almost everywhere on Verizon or Tracfone's roaming partners (US Cellular and about a dozen regional carriers)

The new Proclaim (sold out online as of the time of this writing) works on Verizon's network.. It's a great phone. From what I see in the WONTEK reviews the ZTE Merit work with the AT&T network (I am taking their word for it since I don't own that one) These are 2 StraightTalk Androids that don't run on Sprint.

Walmart said that the Straight Talk LG 55 Android Smartphone phone works in my area but if it runs off of sprint then it does not. I want a nice touch straight talk phone that runs off of Verizon any ideas??

The only touch screen Straight Talk phone that runs on Verizon is the LG 511C. It's been discontinued but you might still be able to find one. The price was $199.99 which I think is way to high for a non-smartphone.

If you can live without a touchscreen the $79.99 Samsung R375C and the $89.99 Samsung R455C are Straight Talk's best current phones that use Verizon. They are both QWERTY phones with an MP3 player and 1.3 MP camera.

I have the R375C that I activated and can not use it in my current zip code, even though Verizon is available in my area. I use a different zip since straightalk wont sell in my market. We have AT&T, which my wifes fone works great on, along with my old phone. Thought I would try the Verizon network to see if I got better service, but after activating it in the big city and updating it for roaming, I still get nothing. Any ideas, or fixes? Or should I go back to my old phone (AT&T). Also, any idea on how to get my old phone # back?

If there's Verizon native (not roaming) service in your area the phone should work. Use the Verizon prepaid coverage map to verify that. If Verizon does in fact cover your area try posting a ticket on Straight Talk's Facebook page or calling the "Executive Resolutions Dept.", a possibly Miami based call center at 1-305-715-6500. It's available Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST.

If you ported your number to Straight Talk you should be able to port it back to AT&T

I just received my tracfone lg500G. It came with a t mobile sims number. My old LG has a AT&t sims carrier. Can I replace my new sims with the AT&T sims card and reactivate the phone so to use AT&T coverage?

No you can't swap SIMs between TracFones. Each SIM is locked to the phone it came with. Only TracFone can supply a SIM that will work.

You have call TracFone. Tell them you have lousy coverage with your phone with the T-Mobile SIM card but have good coverage with your old phone with an AT&T SIM card and ask them to send you an AT&T SIM card for your new phone.

For Net10 & Straight Talk, they now add "SPR" to the end of the market code if Android phones (which always use Sprint) are offered there (Tracfone proper doesn't sell Androids). If they offer both Androids & Verizon CDMA in the market, it can end with "SPRCO".

The new "Bring Your Own Phone" SIMs (also Net10 & ST only) add a "B" after the "C4" or "T5", but that doesn't change the meaning: C4B = AT&T, T5B = T-Mobile. But then you're told which one you're getting when you order the BYOP SIM; to pick one, just say your phone is locked to one or the other when ordering. If you want Net10 or ST but *not* Sprint on your Android, get an AT&T or T-Mobile Android (locked or unlocked) and the corresponding BYOP SIM.

You should select "AT&T Compatible phone". If you select "Unlocked Phone" you could get either AT&T or T-Mobile (but never Sprint which is a CDMA network and doesn't use SIMs). If you end up with T-Mobile you will not get 3G as no iPhone supports T-Mobile's 3G bands.

Another way to tell the carrier on most Tracfones is to visit www.wirelessamberalerts.org, then enter your number & click "Submit" on the home page (no, you're NOT signing up yet). If your carrier participates in Wireless Amber Alerts, its logo will appear on the next page; if not you'll get an error message. (The big four carriers all participate, but a few regionals used by Tracfone do not.)

The new Samsung Galaxy Proclaim is the first droid phone to show it works fine in the CDMA zip I use (04239). I confirmed with ST chat rep that it was Sprint, but anyone know why this one shows it works fine in this zip where others did not? I got all excited when it came up..I check every now and then for my zip with these 3 providers. I have been waiting patiently MANY moons for a smartphone on ST, Net10 or Trac that uses Verizon, which is the best provider in my area (rural Maine).. currently have lg501c. I refuse to spend $80/mo with Verizon.

I am switching from a Samsung Blackjack i607 to LG500g. My current carrier is AT*T. I am petrified I will loose all my contacts. Can I take the Blackjack Sim Card and install it in LG500g and keep all my contacts. Tell me I don't have to enter them manually!!!! GREAT FORUM!

Once again thank you for babysitting my issues with the Blackjack i607.... the Microsoft downloads available for the Active Sync software ask me choose eula.rtf, readme.doc or setup.msi? Which do I choose?

A better way to transfer your contacts on a sim card is to get a sim card reader. They will come with software or a link to download to your computer. They are cheap and connect to your computer with a USB connection. It reads your contacts from your old sim card, then put your new sim card in and transfer your contacts.

My local Walmart has an Android Straight Talk phone that the sales person says runs off of AT&T towers. It is the ST Merit and the model number ends in GP4. He said even though it runs off of AT&T towers it doesn't have access to all of the AT&T towers because it is a prepaid phone. Why wouldn't the phone have access to all the towers? Why would AT&T limit this phone? Thanks in advance for any help.

The Merit is the same phone as AT&T's ZTE Avail. It does run on AT&T. I'm pretty sure it can use all AT&T towers and would have the same coverage as other Straight Talk phones on the AT&T network. Perhaps the salesman meant that it doesn't have access to all the off network roaming that's available to AT&T contract customers.

I just want to say a huge Thank You for all of your information! I had a LG500G and was on the T-mobile network. Horrid coverage, I would get 5 miles from my house and would have no signal. After finding your page I put a call into tracfone and requested a new sim card, I had to move up the food chain 3 times before I was granted my request. They actually sent me a new phone LG501C, so now I am on verizon. Which I know covers all of my area. Again, Thank you so very much!!!!

Great info here...googled my issue to find you...Live outside Orlando 30 miles - kind of rural. My girlfriend and I recently switched to Tracfone LG800 - both of us have a year left on our prepaid - she had ATT and me, Verizon. My network/signal was great hers iffy. But we switched to save $$$. Well network (I see I'm on ATT...thought so..) stinks. I need to go to a window or outside my home to make/rcv a call = at her home too. Outside bars are 3-4, in 0-2 - many dropped calls last month os so. I Hate to call Tracfone - using minutes and expected hassle - but I would love to switch to Verizon network, which is strong here - any have tips re this. Phone/network is good ootside, but so weak (even right now, Network Not Avail...) Recommendations - and THANKS!!!

Try calling Tracfone's Miami number(1-800-876-5753 Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM),using a different phone and explain that you have little or no service at your home and that when you were with Verizon you had great reception. Tracfone seems pretty willing to send free replacement Verizon phones to customers with service issues.

Or buy one of the Tracfone models that runs on Verizon. You can transfer your number and minutes to it online or by calling Tracfone.

Yeswap,My cell phone is a Samsung Alltel. The past week it has stopped allowing me to touch the screen to get to menu or contacts or anything. This started a couple of months ago when I would text and the letters typed would be the letters above or below the letter I wanted to use. Then the space button would not work at all so I started using the 'period' as the space button. My children must think I'm a moran. Can you help?

Really insightful info and so well explained even a computer novice like me can follow. I have a Tracfone LG 800G, on the AT&T network, but find the touchscreen too sensitive for my fat thumbs. I think the Samsung T404G looks like a good idea, but thanks to your helpful site I would like to move to Verizon and the Samsung R455C would accomplish this. Two questions, would all my minutes and service transfer from a AT&T phone to the Verizon, I think it would according to you? The Samsungs both seem identical to me any thoughts? I did hear you cant make a long text, you have to send it one small bit at a time? And that word prediction isn't an option on the R455C?

When you change Tracfones your balance and expiration date is supposed to transfer over. It doesn't always work right so it's best to call the Miami number (1-800-876-5753 M–F, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern) to do the transfer as the support people there are more competent than the ones at the general number.

Other than one being GSM and the other CDMA, the T404G and R455C are comparable in terms of size, weight and features. I don't know which, if either, supports texts longer than 160 characters or auto correct.

I tried the above phone number today and your right it's best to call this number. A live person spoke with me and was very helpful. Before I used this number I dialed two different numbers and received recordings. Thank you for posting this information.

Thank you so much. I actually entered the zip code of the town I visit frequently, McCall ID. It is 2.5 hours out of Boise and always a dead zone for me. Looked on your map and Verizon covers the entire area. A different phone called the LG505C pops up and looks like a great combo of the LG800G I've got with a the Qwerty keyboard. I think I'll go that direction our Target didn't have much selection today. Thanks for all your help!!!

I just bought 2 phones of LG Net10 (LG 900G Prepaid Phone)& (LG800G Prepaid phone) do those phones work in an international region like JORDAN zip code (00962)with the sim cards offered from Jordan???Thanks.

I have a Straight Talk LG Optimus Q and Adobe Flash Player does not work on this phone. Is there another APP that I can get that will let me view Streaming video of other formats requiring a flash player?

Ok following up on previous post with the LG505c and LG800g in Boise. I like the LG505c much better for texting. My question is since Tracfones default network for Boise seems to be AT&T, and I am overriding their choice and going with Verizon I seem to notice the bars of strength for Verizon are much less than the default network. I have both phones side by side and the AT&T phone seems to always display four bars and the Verizon varies from one to two bars and sometimes goes to three. (oddly it can do this just sitting in one spot) My main reason for switching is because I commute into the mountains towards McCall and lose service with AT&T on much of the Hwy 55. Verizon is supposed to have the same service as AT&T in the city and cover almost all of my commuting route to McCall ID. I haven't been on the road to test my commute route yet, but I'm concerned the goal of having coverage on the road may be overridden by poor coverage in Boise? So far the Verizon network has been fine in Boise but the lack of signal strength concerns me.

I wouldn't make much of the number of bars. Different phones report the same signal strength differently. All that really matters is whether you can make and receive calls and texts where you use the phone

Good to hear. Too bad Tracfone doesn't offer the kind of service and help that you do. You should get a commission for all the useful help you provide. I actually spoke to (India, Malaysia, Singapore?) trying to get this all set up prior to finding your site. I had heard rumor this was all possible, but until I found your site even Tracfone denied being able to do this. Thanks so much!

Thinking of getting the Samsung Proclaim. I currently have a verizon number out of Florida, but am living in Illinois. Do you know if I will be able to switch the number to ST? Also, will I honestly be able to use this phone anywhere when traveling? and if data coverage isn't available, will voice and text work? This will be my first "smartphone" and travel often (by car) and I need a phone that will at least be working to make calls anywhere

No cell phone works everywhere. The Proclaim will work everywhere Verizon has native coverage. You can check coverage using the Verizon prepaid map. The Proclaim will work in the purple areas on the map but not in the gray (prepaid roaming) areas. A Verizon phone would work in both purple and gray areas

You indicated that Skyfire Browser would play video on my LG OPTIMUS Q android phone. When I downloaded it all it would do is route me back to Adobe Flash to down load. I tried several times different ways and never was able to get it to play video that ask for Adobe Flash.

In regard to LG OPTIMUS Q and Adobe Flash. I tried using the icon you mentioned and it just took me to the Adobe Flash Player 11 which does not work on this phone. I tried all the icons I could find and either they did not do anything or took me to Adobe Flash. Did not even try to open any videos.

I've used Skyfire in the past and it does work. I don't use it currently because my latest phone runs the native Flash player plus most of the mobile sites I visit serve non-Flash videos.

If you are clicking the video icon that pops up in the bottom toolbar when Skyfire detects a video, and it takes you to the Adobe Flash player download site something is broken. I suggest you report the problem on the Skyfire Support Site. Also see the Skyfire for Android FAQ for help on using the app.

Waoh u really provide great info. Actually answered most of My questions. I recently moved to ohio and have very poor service. I have a net 10 optomus lg. I still have not called net 10 to change my service area or zip code. Could that have something to do with my poor service? Thank u for ur time and effort

You don't need to tell Net10 when you move and there's no advantage to doing so unless you want a number local to your new location.

The Net10 Optimus Net and Optimus Q use the Sprint network. It sounds like Sprint has poor coverage in your area. The Optimus phones don't use SIM cards and can't be switched to another network. The only solution is to switch to a different phone that uses a network that has good coverage in your area.

The only Net10 Android phones that don't use Sprint are the ZTE Merit (AT&T) and the Samsung Proclaim (Verizon).

I'm currently attempting to switch from US Cellular to Straight Talk. I've always owned an old school flip phone (my current one is going on 5 years old!), but am interested in the possibility of an Android. From previous comments, I understand that the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim and LG Optimus Zip are both Verizon based; however, I'm wondering if Androids tend to last as long as nonsmart phones? Do you have an opinion as to which type of phone (smart vs. nonsmart) are of better quality? I don't tend to upgrade often, if at all, and wondering if its worth taking a chance on or not. Thank you very much for your time!

Also, I checked out Straight Talks coverage area for Android vs. non-Android phones at:http://www.straighttalk.com/coverage. Is there a reason why the Android one is so spotty? Is it like that because there are currently only two Androids available through Verizon towers? Or are the Androids just really bad at getting reception in general? Thank you again for your help!

Straight Talk's first Android phones use the Sprint Network. The "Android" map shows the Sprint coverage. For the Proclaim and Zip, which use Verizon, refer to the CDMA-V map or Verizon prepaid's own maps.

In my experience smartphones last as long as feature phones (most of my phones, both smart and dumb still work after several years), but their batteries don't. Smartphones typically require daily charging and their batteries tend to have lose considerable capacity after only two years.

My lg800g from Tracfone will not stay connected to Bluetooth hands free calling built into my car. It connects and then disconnects about every 30 secs. I have paired it numerous times, with device visibility hidden and visible for 3 min. Auto lock is set to "never" Any help would be appreciated.

I just need the basic phone that we can us when camping. Our area code is 36024 but camp in 36092. Will verizon work in these areas and what type of phone do you suggest. We are both retired and just need the basic phone. Thank you and great forum.

Does the new Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ phone work with the Net10 service and is it too much phone for the Net10 network? Based on the specs at https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=galaxy_nexus_hspa it appears to be a fit. What are the downsides? Thanks.

tracfone is selling a zte merit phone for $80... can it be transfered to straight talk? I have a straight talk number that I've had for years and replaced my broken phone with a Optiumus q which uses verizon(which is crummy here)I need to know if does it use AT&T? and can they be transfered?

my mistake, i assumed since my son's sprint smartphone works well here and my straighttalk optimus doesn't that it must be verizon since they are very week here.The Dolar General stores in this area sell a zte merit in tracfone packaging along side net10 stuff for $80.I was thinking of buying and tranfering it to straight talk. I thought it would work because my straight talk samsung phone displays a tracfone page when it's turned on. i thought they might be connected somehow.

TracFone, Net10 and Straight Talk are all brands of America Movil so they are connected. However America Movil won't let you use phones sold for one of their bands on another brand.

As you probably know, Staright Talk sells the Merit for $129.99 which makes the $80 Net10 version very attractive.

You could port your Straight Talk number to Net 10 and use the Merit. Although Net10 seems more expensive at $50/month compared with Straight Talk's $45/month there are a couple of ways to get Net10 service for the same price as Straight Talk or even less.

I recently bought a LG Extravet/Verizon phone at Walmart with Verizon's $1.99 talk/day and 2 cent message plus a bit of web plan. don't use web much and husband has a smart phone. I don't think I'll be able to restrict myself to that plan, though. Can I switch this phone (an remaining minutes) to the Net plan? Will they accept this phone? I love Verizon's abilty to give service almost anywhere. Thank you.

I just purchased an LG Optimus Black from StraightTalk and had it activated for a Sprint Zip Code, hoping that being only an hour or so away, I would receive service. My phone does not work at all and I later discovered that Sprint doesn't cover my area. (04037)

Can I return my phone, purchase one that works in my area and then switch the number/zip code over to my home town... AND transfer the service plan that I purchased?

Yes BUT, you must purchase the new phone and transfer your number an plan to it BEFORE returning the Optimus Black. If you return the phone first you plan will be immediately cancelled and you will likely use your number too.

I bought the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim from the Straight Talk website. It worked great for a week but after that, it kept loosing connection to the 3G signal. When I got a Straight Talk representative on the phone, it was like talking to a wall - maybe because she has limited English comprehension skills?(I'm pretty sure it's a call center in India). Anyway, she was no help.

I will have to return it soon since I will reach my 30-day trial period, but do you think it's the phone or is it that it just won't work on Verizon? I currently have a Verizon phone and it works just fine but I wanted to switch to a more affordable plan.

Appreciate your opinion as you sound very knowledgeable about this.Thanks.

Hi, I wanted to add that the Proclaim phone has 3-4 signal bars, and I even have wireless signal switched on. Again, the 3G Mobile Network connection keeps on switching off so whenever I want to check email or internet, it says it is not connected. I have to reload it and it takes awhile and sometimes, that doesn't work either. Thanks.

I have a tracfone Samsung 105g that I activated in a CDMA area by using a GSM zipcode given to them. MY question is about adding minutes from a Tracfone Card. I usually buy 60 min. cards and add them to my old Kyocera 126c, and use the online method to do it. I goes through fast that way. However, I have no signal for my new Samsung 105g here at my house recently bought, so I was wondering if I buy a card to add mins to it, and use the computer online service to add mins........will it go through ok? If not, can I do it by adding them on my phone when I am in a GSM area, in case the other way fails? Thanks alot for the help.

I read about someone looking for CDMA phone zipcodes to use to activate their phones. I am in one myself here in Alabama.....36374, and one right up the road is 36017. Both should work for CDMA . Hope that helps someone.

I am really confused. I just bought this LG 200c tracfone and want to activate it. I charged it up, and the date and time are exactly right already. Also, it shows a signal of 1 bar. Can I obtain a signal without actually activating it first? How is the time and date set correct already? I'm going to try and activate it on Tracfone's online service hopefully successful. Thanks alot.

I really like this LG 200c I just activated and transfered my mins. too. The only thing I am not sure of, is the battery on the screen. It shows multi colors, and I was wondering how to judge when the battery needs charging? Do they disappear? So far they haven't, and it is doing a great job here in rural Alabama, and also city areas. The manual that comes with it tells me nothing about those icons up there? What do you think, especially about the battery icon? Thanks alot.

Hi Yeswap. This IS a very informative article as I am planning to dump ATT and move to a prepaid. I am very interested in the samsung 404g (since I need the keyboard to text. by the way my average texting for the last 6 years with att has been about 200/ month; voice- 20-30 minutes only. data-zip. none). Using your guide, it tells me that this phone uses ATT. I need ATT service since the place where I work (inside the building)- ONLY ATT has service. Not T Mobile/verizon or sprint. Is it possible that they will send me instead another phone that does NOT use ATT? Thank you very much in advance

By the way, Im on cricket right now. I went around my area. Good coverage outside but the signal bars drop drastically when I enter a building. Another question to ask. Is it ok to buy a reconditioned samsung 404g or should I go with the brand new one? What's your opinion?my zip is 10461

Thank you very much!!!! Just used the 65046 zipcode and the same samsung phone came up. query. Should I continue to order with this zip (and change the mailing zip at the end) or do I go back to my original zip and buy it off that webpage.I just noticed something. If you click on the reconditioned phone, under the single rate it says:Call nationally, internationally or roam at local call ratesEnjoy 90 days of uninterrupted wireless service 60 anytime anywhere minutes But on the brand new one, it only says:Call nationally, internationally or roam at local call rates.Now I plan to get the annual 1500 minutes(with triple it goes to 4500) for $199. I'm afraid that the reconditioned only limits you to 90 day increments.By the way, really thanks for helping out. I mean it.

I am switching to Straight Talk service and trying to decide between the R455C and LG505C. In looking at the two phones side by side, the R455C has 5-6 bars, and the LG505C usually has 3-4 bars in my home. I prefer the LG505C because I had a smartphone in the past and loved the touch screen, but am a little concerned about purchasing it because it seems to have less bars. Is it because of the touch screen? Would it have the same reception or less (since it's showing less bars). My Samsung Gravity, which I'm switching from, always only had a max total of four bars. Would appreciate any help you can give.

Different phones display a different number of bars for the same level of reception. You can't compare reception between two different makes and models of phones based on the number of bars. I haven't heard any complaints about the reception of either phone

Thanks for your quick input. The other reason I liked the LG505 better is because the alphabet and numbers on the pull out keyboard seem to be placed similar to a regular keyboard as opposed to those on the R455--the numbers are placed in a different spot on the keyboard which slows me down.

I've got a new Google Nexus with the Net10 activation kit. The phone activated with no problem. The data plan is set up but it's really slow. It takes about 2 or 3 minutes to load a page. Do you know of some settings that I may have missed that would cause this? Sometimes there is an E or H in the top left of the screen but the data speed doesn't change. Thanks.

Many thanks. The airplane mode on/off did the trick. This phone is really nice on the Net10 network. Great signal and really fast data. I'm on wi-fi mostly but it's nice to have when you need it. Thanks again.

this phone was a straight talk nokia e5 sorry for not giving correct info i know it has gsm & wcdma but don't know if it is carrying signal ovet t-mobile or at&t ... had at&t & verizon phones in my home they never worked ...i think this could be t-mobile???

If it's a Straight Talk E5 then its home network is AT&T. However, it could be roaming, check for a triangle roaming indicator in the top status bar.

To determine what network you are roaming on, try dialing 611 and see whose customer support answers. This may not work in all cases as some roaming partners forward 611 calls to the SIM's home operator.

There's a Symbian app called PhoNetInfo which will show you the Mobile Network Code (MNC) of the network you are connected to. AT&T's MNC is 410, T-Mobile's is 260

The 2 Straight Talk smartphones available in my zip code 76401 (GSM4SPR)are the Nokia e5 ($25 recond)and the Samsung Galaxy Precedent ($70 recond). I am leaning toward the Precedent because of the screen size (useful for streaming vids on the unlimited data plan). This is an Android phone, so Sprint will the the home network, correct?

The Sprint coverage map shows very little coverage for my area and mostly "off network roaming". As stated in the article, prepaids on the Sprint network don't roam. Does this mean that the Precedent will only have coverage in the dark green coverage areas and not in the lighter green "off network roaming"? If so, traveling even 5-10 miles would put me out of coverage. Am I correct?

Yeswap, I bought my TracPhone in RI and according to your info, the SIM No. goes to AT&T. In 2 weeks I will be driving over to Scranton PA and then down Rt 81 to Asheville NC. Can you give me a heads up about coverage on that route? I have a real simple Samsumg Trac phone which honestly I don't care for, but have almost 1,000 mins. on it to use up, or can they transfer to a better phone? thanks. Liz

It's probably technically possible for Tracfone to do it but I've never heard of them blocking texts for a customer. At least they don't charge for texts if you don't open them unlike every other operator.

Hey thanks for putting this up. I wanted to upgrade to a smartphone, and considering that the Samsung Galaxy S II from Straighttalk was the best option on the prepaid market I decided to go with it, I was just worried that it might be a Sprint based phone, which for me at college and back home I get horrible service from. Being based on the AT&T network I won't have as good service as I do now (Currently using the Samsung R451C which runs on Verizon) I will still get good service with the phone and price per month that a college student can afford.

Hi. You have a great blog. Thanks for you hard work. I want to purchase a new Iphone 5 when it becomes available unlocked. I live in the 16505 area code. What would you recommend for a prepaid carrier that would work for me? Am I able to purchase a sim only or would I be better off purchasing a pre-paid phone through that carrier and popping that sim into the new Iphone? Also, if I were to purchase a Verizon Iphone 5 without a contract would I be able to get Verizon service somehow on a prepaid? Thanks.

Any AT&T MVNO would work. Straight Talk is the most cost-effective choice. You will have to trim the SIM to nano size yourself as none of the AT&T MVNO's offer nano-SIMs yet. Also, you won't get LTE data though,just 3G.

A Verizon iPHone 5 on a Verizon MVNO like Page Plus might work. Verizon doesn't allow its MVNO's to activate iPhones or LTE phones but people have managed to activate both. LTE data doesn't work and even getting 2G and 3G data working on LTE phones on a Verizon MVNO has required low level phone programming that may not be possible on Apple's locked down devices. I recommend sticking with an AT&T MVNO.

Wow! If I could find an auto mechanic as meticulous and honest as you - thank you for your info. I've had tracfone for countless years.

Just ordered an S425G with ATT sim (old LG screen is shot). Any info on how minute costly it would be to peruse my email (hotmail, about 40 per day)? Will this be on 2G? Any "average" number of use minutes to expect? Can I look up a Newegg site for example in 10 munutes or less?

I assume this is possible with the S425G - any info or experiences out there would be appreciated.

Hotmail: There's no email client on this phone so you would be using the browser. I guesstimate at least one unit (minute) charge to get to your inbox and a 1/2 unit to read each email.

Newegg: The Newegg site is well optimized or mobile browsers, figure a half a unit to load each page of the site.

The browser on Tracfones isn't very good. I recommend installing Opera Mini 7 from m.opera.com. For best results use the version signed by Verisign. See: How to Download Opera Mini Signed Versions. In order to use Hotmail in Opera Mini you need to select "Single column mode" in the Opera Mini settings.

Thanks for the valuable information you provide in this forum. I noticed you mentioned earlier that "TracFone still has CDMA phones but it's getting harder and harder to find CDMA-only zip codes. A couple that still work are 73949, 82210". I live in 49022 which only offers GSM Tracphones. My guys have Tracphones which all have terrible coverage in our home. I, however, recently switched to Straight Talk CDMA with Verizon and get great coverage. If I purchase Tracphones with one of the above zip codes for CDMA (I assume I would get Verizon coverage), when I order, do you know if I can carry over our current phone numbers which would have (269) area codes? Would the varying zip code/area code possibly deter me from being able to order to your knowledge? Would appreciate any info you can provide.

You can use your Env 3 on Page Plus which runs on the Verizon network.

If you want to use the Verizon $50 plan the only current phones you can use are the Samsung Intensity III. LG Extravert, Samsung Gusto 2 or Pantech Caper. Some older Verizon prepaid phones will also work. See this Howard Forum's post for more information.

Excuse my ignorance, but what does "native Verizon coverage in the number's area code" mean? I have Verizon coverage on my Straight Talk phone. Would that mean Verizon is available and would probably be the provider for Tracphone or do I need to check with Tracphone to find out who would provide the coverage? Thanks again for your help.

Yeswap, I asked about the samsung s425G cost to look at email and web pages.

Thank you for the information. I guess I'll just have to use the web for "special occasions"!

Since I am not techno-savvy, would you mind explaining the difference between hooking up to hotmail on the web, and, hooking up to the email client PicoMail? On my computer, I use the browser to hook up to my email ... live.com comes up (somewhere). How do I "install" the picmail client on my tracfone? Will it save me minutes? Is it comparable to a "favorite" site, that I use on my laptop?

Maybe I am expecting too much from Tracfone technology ... again, thanks for all your input to "us" folk.

Thanks for the advice here, I ordered a Samsung on NET10 with verizon service. Everything on ordering worked fine. I am now going to activate. When I do, does it ask for my zip code? If it does, should I use my actual zip code (which has verizon service) or one of the zips you give for Verizon? Dennis

Fantastic & insightful information here. I love ST. Had to "upgrade" from my R451C phone, when the screen turned white, to my "blackberry wannabe" R375C. Both run off Verizon towers & I get good service. I drove to Ohio 2 yrs ago. I had no problems with my R451C. I was able to receive clear reception on the banks of the Mohican River/south of Loudenville, Ohio. My laptop's Cricket broadband connection wouldn't work, nor could I use it in/nor outside the hotel I stayed in Akron, Ohio.Thank you for all your informative information. Another place to get fast Straight Talk support is on facebook. They will email you & are quick to answer questions/give directions, too.

I have to agree-this is the most helpful information I have ever found. I have been with Net10 for a few years-can't beat the $45 unlimited and have had no problems with tech support; however, my first Android was the LG45C Optimus. The phone was ok, but I couldn't get service at my house. I thought my only option was to switch carriers, get a "better" phone, etc. Lo and behold, I came across your article, and learned that there were a couple of Net 10 phones that use Verizon towers! I went on Amazon and bought the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim on sale for $124 (again,from info on your page). I got it yesterday, and have had no problems at all talking from inside my house - I consistently have 4 bars. The Proclaim wasn't even listed for my "area" on the Net10 site. You have saved me money and aggravation. Thank you so much!

AT A LOSS: I need to get my FIRST cell phone. I have no idea what phone/carrier I need for best reception. I know I want a prepaid carrier, ie Trac/Net 10 etc. I need Wifi, email, text, & phone. The phone will be used mostly in CA at or near the following zip codes:94085 (main), 94558, 95005, 95616, 95776.Which phone & carrier should it get?Thanks for all the help you can provide.

I agree with Jeff/Minn's recommendations below. If you want to do email and use WiFi an Android phone is probably your best bet. Determine which network best covers the areas you will be in and then look at which plans and phones are available on your preferred network.

Here is the page that discusses and shows you coverage maps: http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011/09/coverage-maps-for-all-prepaid-carriers.htmlClick on a map and you will,in most cases, be able to see who has coverage in your are. It looks like you are around major cities so you will have a variety of options. You want wifi so you will need an android phone. Check the maps for any travel you will do as some carriers are not available in all areas.You can look at the plans that will fit your budgets here and compare:http://www.compare-prepaid-cell-phones.com/index.htmlThere are alot of options in prepaid and it can be difficult to choose a carrier but there are no contracts so you can change if you are not happy with your first choice.

It appears Net10 has some new smartphone offerings that aren't covered in the original "how to tell" article. Could you list the current Net10 smartphones that are homed to AT&T and Verizon? Also, I thought I saw ST Android product codes ending in "PWP (hard to tell with my eyes) - if so, what does "PWP" indicate? Thanks for your help - it's a major factor in me deciding to switch from an old Verizon candybar to Net10's smartphones.

I think I saw "PWP on the end of the code for a StraightTalk Android at Walmart. However, I couldn't really focus on it well enough to be certain. I could be way off. If I go back, I'll have to look at the phone make/model and match it to the list you just posted.

I notice that the Net10 phones homed to AT&T seem to have slower processors that the Verizon-homed phones - is that your analysis, as well?

AT&T is stronger in my area (rural, SE of San Antonio) and also appears stronger (per the maps) out in West Texas, where we usually go on vacation, but the lower specs worry me a little. How much of an issue is this likely to be?

Straight Talk's most powerful Android phone the Galaxy S II is on AT&T. But among the sub $200 Straight Talk Android phones you are right, the Samsung Proclaim on Verizon does have the fastest processor and a larger screen than the LG Logic and more internal memory storage for apps than the ZTE Merit.

If I were you I'd choose coverage over phone specs and go with one of the AT&T Straight Talk phones.

I have an LG L75C using straight talk, the phone is supposed be homed with Verison, and works fine at my home in Wisconsin however I recently went to a small town in south central North Dakota it refeused to connect. Some friends that I was with using Verison phones had no problems. What causes this, and is there anything I can do about it?

I have a Tracfone LG LG800G with triple minutes for the life of the phone. It seems to be a great deal, I don't use a cell phone but once in a blue moon, so it does more than I need it to. I have tried to figure this out my self, but can't pin down correct info, can you call Norway using Tracfone? Would the only way be to buy a international prepaid card to enter extra numbers in to call (therefore using both my Tracfone and the international prepaid cards minutes? My 79 yr old mother needs a cheaper cell phone for emergencies and she wants to be able to call my sister in Oslo. We are in New Mexico. Thanks for your help.

Tracfone users can make no extra cost calls to 60 international destinations including Norway. To make an international call on Tracfone; dial the access code: 1-800-706-3839. You will be prompted to select your language and dial 011 plus the country code and number. (Note: for Canada, do not dial 011). There's more information on the Tracfone site.

i have lgl55c by straight talk yet it says tracefone wirless, inc. i am wanting another smartphone with touch screen and sliding key board as this one has that but this phone is with sprint which has horrible service in our area. I am hoping you can tell me which phone and which zip code to use to find another smart phone like this one using the verizon towers from straight talk because when I enter in our local zipcode for arkansas i am not given anyother smart phone options using the verizon network. thank you in advance for your assistance.

thank you for responding. so is the LG Optimus Zip the phone you were talking about? i do not see where I can find out the LG L75C information on the straight talk websites? the only one on our local website and even the the zip code you had listed 94102 only state that Samsung Galaxy Proclaim™ works on Americas largest most reliable network. thank you in advance for your information

There is some confusion about whether the LG Zip works on Verizon or Sprint. However this photo of the Zip in its package at a Walmart store shows the Verizon map and the Verizon slogan "...Americas largest most reliable network" which is convincing to me.

my zip code shows it has a lg optimus zip phone so i could just go purchase it at our local walmart but how will I knwo it will run on verizon instead of sprint? i do not see where I can find the additional numbers/information. thank you for your time

AT&T unless the phone is unlocked and you ordered the Net10 T-Mobile SIM. If you don't remember which SIM you bought or someone else set the phone up for you, check the first six numbers of the SIM ID printed on the SIM: 890126 = T-Mobile, 890141 = AT&T

I have the net10 sim so is that running on at&t network? The first days i got it it was preety fast but now is starting to lagg do you think if i switch to tmobile would it be faster and yes my iphone is unlock and jailbroken

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